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PRONOtTNCED 



AT UAMFSTB.AD, NEW-HAMPSHIRE, 

APRIL 30th, 1814, 



AJ^J^IVERSARY OF THE INAUGURATIQ^T 

OP 

HIS EXCELLENCY GEORGE WASHINGTON, 

\ 

FIRST PRESWEJ^T OF THE UMTED STATES. 



BY JEREMIAH SPOFFORD, 



save my Country, Heaven,— —Fisher Ames. 



HAVERHILL, MASS. 
PRINTED BY GREENOUGH AND BURIuLL- 



1$14. 









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Hamps'^ead, AIay Mhf 1814. 
Sir, 

IM'comfiliance with a vote of the Members of the W. B. So' 
ciety, ivet being afifiointed a Committee, have the honor to express 
to you the high pleasure which nve have all receivedfrom your able 
and ingenious Oration, delivered before the Society, and, in their be- 
half, request the favor of a copy for publication. 

With assurances of high respect and esteem, we remain f 
Sir, Your Humble Servants, 

John True, 
Joseph Welch, ^-Committci 
Moses Harriman. 

Doct. Jeremiah Spofford. 



gsa^-t;€S>^ ^a wi 



HAMPsrEAD, Mat Wth, 1814. 
Gentlemen, 

PERMIT me to express to you the grateful sense which I 
entertain, of the candour and liberality which the Society has ex- 
tended to my performance. Could I fatter myself that its publica- 
Hon would contribute in the sfuallest degree to revive that spiric 
which produced our glorious revolution, it would be most cheerjully 
Hubmitted to public inspection. Confident that this must be its ten- 
dency, as far as its li?niced influence may extend : and hopiJig thai 
those who may honor it with a perusal, will exercise the same can- 
dor with which it was heard, I with self-diffidence comply with 

your request. 

With sentiments of esteem, 

I am gentlemen your Obed't Serv't. 

Jeremiah Spofforb. 

John True, Esq. Messrs. Joseph Welch, a«£^ Moses Harriman. 



J 



WHEN I furvey this refpe^led affembly ; and 
confider the importance of the occafion, upon which we 
are affembled — the age and refpeclability of many here 
prefent, 1 feel an appalling fenfe of my own unworthi- 
nefs to addrefs you from this facred defk. Untaught 
in the fublime fcience of Eloquence, and led by profef- 
fion and habit, to other purfuits, 1 truft that I fhall not 
folicit in vain, for that candour, which is the charadlerif- 
tic of exalted minds. At a time when the inftitutions 
of civilized fociety are convulfed to their deepeft foun- 
dations ; and every hour is big with the fate of Nations, 
it is difficult to notice political events, without being 
thought by fome to favor of party fpirit, that dead- 
ly monfler, beneath whofe ravages our country 
mourns. Under fuch circumftances let me entreat, that 
every prejudice may be banifhed, and the milder attri- 
bute of reafon afTume her gentle fway. When we con- 
template human nature, and confider the progrefs of arts 
and arms, nothing more naturally flrikes the mind of 
the attentive obferver, than the immenfe confequences, 
which often follow the exertions of an individual. 

The fuperior genius or efforts of one, often eiicits a 
fpark, which eledrifies millions and puts Empires ia 
motion, which enables him to eftablifh or overturn the 
flrongeft holds of defpotifm. Indeed, it appears to be 
the plan of the divine government to render man an 
Angel of mercy, or a Minifler of divine vengeance, to 
his fellow man. Are the Ifraelites to be delivered from 
B 



Egyptian bondage ? Mofes is raifed up, to wave the rod 
and produce darknefs, and tempeft, and peftilence. Are 
they topoffefs the land of Canaan ? Ji ftiua is ready, to 
lead them through Jordan's divided flream. Are they 
to be delivered from Babylonifh captivity ? Cyrus ap- 
pears to divert the Euphrates from its courfe, and fpoil 
Belfhazzar*s drunken feaft. And may 1 not with rev- 
erence add o? Is a fallen world to be redeemed ? God is 
pleafed to exalt human nature to a union with the di- 
vine, to fend his fon to preach " glad tidings of great 
joy to all people," and pointing to his crofs proclaim, 
** there hangs all human hope.'* 

The founding of an Empire, or the fubverfion of a 
State, is an event, which may be important in its confe^ 
quences, " through the long tracts of future time." 
Had Romulus ftill tended his flocks, Caefar perifhed at 
Pharfalia, or Alexander and Mahomet pafled unnoticed 
■from the cradle to the tomb, that fyftem of events muft 
have been broken, which now fills the moft important 
pages of ancient hiftory. Or had Cromwell and Bona- 
parte been " Forbade to wade through flaughter to a 
throne,'* how different muft have been the Annals of 
m dern Europe ! If Columbus had remained an obfcure 
pilot of Genoa, perhaps America, might ftill have been 
traverfed, only by wild beafts, or *' men as wild and fierce 
as they." 

But the importance of individual exertion is peculiar- 
ly illuftrated, by the example of Walhington. — Had we 
been deftitute of hislkill, his firmnefs, his incorruptible 
integrity, to fupport the facred caufe of Liberty, per- 
haps theie States, might have been reduced, to expiate 
their rebellion, by abjed flavery. Under the impreffion 
of thefe refledions, how immenfely important muft ap- 
pear the tranfaclions of the day, whofe anniverlary we 
are aflembled to celebrate ! 

This day gave to thefe United States a Conftitution, 
founded on the unalienable rights of man : and invefted 
with thefirft Magiftracy " America's favorite fon," the 
great, the illuftrious Wafhington. Its events are a theme, 
which intereft the nobleft feelings of the human heart. 



and call into exercife every paffion, which exalts hu. 

man nature. 

*< Memory ftill loves to hover o'er them, 
As fetting Suns ftill linger, in the weft." 

It was a day, glorious in the annals of America. May 
our hearts beat in unifon with the joyful occafion. On 
a day like this, let us exclude the coUifions of party fpir- 
it from within thefe facred walls. Let us here refolve 
to facrifice our prejudices on the altar of our Country : 
and to follow the paths of duty, whether it leads us to 
fields of battle or the fmiling abodes of peace. 

We celebrate events, which exalted the character of 
our Nation— gave activity to the Federal Goveniment, 
and crowned the Climax of political wifdom, by placing 
the " Man of the People," in the chair of itate. 

Pleafmg indeed to contemplate the events of a day, 
which placed in the temple of freedom the facred Palla- 
dium of our Liberties. Doubtlsfs celeftial fpirits, bend- 
ing downward their flight, were complacent fpectators 
of the fcene : while thoufands of Citizens, rent the air 
with their joyful acclamations, when the Chancellor* 
adminiftered the oath of office, and pronounced " Long 
live George Walhinfrton." 

The day, upon which we are affembled, would moft 
naturally lead me to notice fome of the moft interefting 
particulars in the life of Waihington : and 

To review that Conftitution, which bears the fanclion 
of his name. 

But howfliall I difcharge the duty which this day im- 
pofes ? Shall I endeavour to do juftice to the Father of 
our Country, the leader of our councils and our arms ? 
Shall an admirer of his conftancy and virtue, endeavour 
to paint fome diftant reprefentation,of this Star of the 
firft magnitude, in our Conftellation of worthies ? Shall 
I endeavour to lead your imaginations to each field of 
his achievements, from the banks of the Monongahela, 
to the plains of Yorktown ? 

Here prudence muft paufe, unequal to the mighty 
taik. Learning, 1 alents, and Eloquence, have exhauft- 
f Livi»§fton, 



ed their treafures to do juftice to the boundlefs theme. 
His praifes have been founded by the trumpet of fame, 
flamped with the feal of time, and regiftered in the ar- 
chives of Eternity. Without attempting to do him 
juftice, may we not contemplate his virtues till our hearts 
burn within us, — till we catch a fpark of that celeftial 
flame, with which his bofom glowed. 

Palling unnoticed the days of *' lifping infancy," we 
iind him entering at an early age upon the ftage of pub- 
lic action. Difregarding the ufual rotine of academic 
inftru6lionSj his adive mind achieves at once, that por- 
tion of fcience, which is indifpenfable in forming a char- 
after worthy of admiration. Unfkilled in the claffic 
page he formed a moddle " above all Greek, above all 
Roman fame.'* From his example let youthful merit 
learn, that talents may afpire to eminence, though 
« Wifdom, to their minds her ample page, 
Rich with the fpoils of time, did ne'er unroll." 

Should millions pafs this ftage of action, and ages e- 
lapfe, before human nature appears again in fo fair a 
form : yet thofe who imitate his virtues, will lay the 
foundation of their own happinefs, and the glory of 
their Country. At the early age of twenty, he attend- 
ed as an Aid, to the veteran General Braddock, in an ex- 
pedition againft the Indians. Here European tallies 
failed, before the diforderly impulfe of favage warfare : 
which gave our untaught genius an opportunity to dif- 
play the matchlefs energies of his mind. He collefted 
the remnants of that bloody day, and conduced a moft 
judicious retreat : then retired to prepare to retrieve 
the difafters, occafioned by Braddock's precipitancy. 
This he was inftrumental in fome degree of acconi- 
plifliing, by capturing in 1758, fortDu Quelne, at the 
jundion of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers. No 
fooner are the enemy repelled from our borders, than he 
felecls the partner of his days, and retires to the happy 
Ihades of Mount Vernon. Here fifteen years paft away 
in domeftic felicity, and mental, and agricultural im- 
provement : uninterrupted except by the frequent calls 
of his fellow citizens, to fill important offices. 



At the expiration of this term, the encroachments of 
Great Britain, aroufe the fpirit of freemen. The inhab- 
tants of thefe States, believing that, " they were endow- 
ed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights ; a- 
mong which are Life, Liberty, and the pu^fuit of hap- 
pinefs. — That to fecure thefe, governments are inftitut- 
ed among men deriving their jufl powers from the con- 
fent of the governed; and that when any government 
becomes deftruftive of thefe ends, it becomes the right 
of the people, to altar, or to abolifli it.'* Uniting in 
thefe fentiments, they determined to dilTolve the polit- 
ical connexion, which had been cementing, for almofl 
two centuries. Happily the memorable Congrefs of fev- 
enty-five, diftinguilhed Wafhlngton's preeminent worth. 
They placed in his hands the deftinies of America. Ever 
devoted to the calls of his country, he came like Cincin- 
natus, " awful from the plough.'* He exchanged his 
happy domieil, — the bleating of his -flock, for the tu- 
mult of a camp, and the thunder of artillery. The path 
of ufefulnefs is his road, whether it leads him through 
fields of battle, or the peaceful abodes of folitude. 

Arrived in the Camp at Cambridge, the operations a- 
gainfl Bofton, affunie the form of a fiege : and the Britiili 
forces are foon compelled to retire, before an Army rcR« 
dered fuperior by numbers, and invincible by enthu- 
iiafm Omitting the numerous incidents of a tedious 
war, let us recollect to the honor of our Chieftain, his 
well fought battle, and matchlefs retreat from Long-Ifl- 
and : when he conveyed our foldiers from the very 
grafpofBritifli power. Particularly let us dwell with 
exultation, upon that fuperior exertion of military pol- 
icy, when after capturing a body of Heffians at Tren« 
ton, he retired before a fuperior Army ; and led his re- 
treating forces to battle and to viclory, at Princeton. 

Kindling a line of fires, fo artfully difpofed, as to dif- 
penfe light to the Americans on their march, v/hile to 
the Enemy they only, as it were rendered the darknefs 
vifible : like the pillar of fire which iliumlnated the 
camp of Ifrael, while it was a cloud and thick darknefs 
to the purfuing hoit of Pharaoh. Nor let us forget thp 



10 

hiterfierence of Providential goodnefs, which rendered 
the miry road, a frofty pavement, benea th their feet. 

Not in manoeuvres and retreats, alone, were his ac- 
tions worthy of admiration ; tho* often with an undif- 
ciplined army and inferior numbers, thefe were an im- 
portant part of his duty. But on the Heights of Bran- 
dywine he arrays his Companions in arms. To fave 
the Metropolis of his country, hke Leonidas, he makes 
there heights a Fhermopyle, and like him is overpow- 
ered by fuperior numbers. But our Congrefs more juft 
than the Spartans, approve of the effort of even unfuc- 
cefsful valour. 

Let us haften to a more pleafing fcene. After the 
capture of Burgoyne another decifive vi^ory muft 
prove the deftrudion of Britifh power in America. 
Happily, this was not wanting for the doling fcene of 
the great drama. At Yorktown American valour, af- 
lifted by a fortunate alliance, fliook the Empire of Great 
Britain to the throne, — captured the commander in 
chief of the Britifh armies, — the man to whofe talents 
and {kill, Europe, Afia, and America, can bear witnefs, 
with the whole of his powerful army. Hence the treaty 
of peace, which confirmed the Independence and fove- 
reignty of thefe ftates, and laid the foundation of " the 
rifing glory of the weftern Hemifphere.** 

Perhaps the American Revolution prefents to politi- 
cians the mod falutary leffon, which is recorded on the 
authentic pages of Hillory. Here Rulers may learn the 
neceffity, of attending to the petitions and remonftran- 
ces of an aggrieved community. That it is not fafe, 
when they afk bread to give them a ftone. Here citi- 
zens may derive encouragement to check the firft inroads 
of arbitrary power ; to ftand on the thrcfhold of the 
Conftitution, bowing with fubmiflion to laws made in 
conformity to its fpirit, and defending themfelves and 
pofterity againft that power, which tramples on right. 

To return to our beloved chief. Rejoicing at the 
beams of Peace, and happy in the eflablifhment of Inde- 
pendence, he refigned his commiflion to the power that 
ffave it. Untindlured with that ambition, which im- 



11 

proves the tide of popularity to mount a throne, he 
cheerfully returns to private life. 

His expenfes are all laid open for public infpeflion ; 
and he refiifes to receive any pecuniary compenfation, 
for eight years of important fervice in his country's 
caufe. O that thofe, who, driven by wild ambition, 
and infatiate avarice, fet the world in arms, that thdy 
may rife in the general confufion, and thrive upon the 
fpoils of the wide fpreading ruin, may contemplate the 
conducfl of Wafhington. Here, my Friends is benevolence 
if found beneath the fides. When a fpirit like this pervades 
a nation, *' her walls will be falvation, and her gates 
praife." Let parents repeat the flory to their iiftening 
children, till their tender bofoms " thrill with anxious 
joy." Ler Marble Monuments and grateful hearts, per- 
petuate the remembrance, till the laft trumpet fiiall an- 
nounce the confummation of all things. 

Retiring to private lif^ he was immediately recalled to 
prelide in the convention that formed the federal con- 
ilitution : and then was fcledted by the almoft unani- 
mous voice of his fellow citizens, to fill their firft execu- 
tive ofHce. He accepted the important truft, and im- 
mediately reforted to New York, to alTume its arduous 
duties. His journey was one continued demonflration 
of the unbounded gratitude and aiFedion, of his fellow 
citizens. His reception at Trenton, confidered in con- 
nection with the former events at that place, muft have 
awakened the moft delightful fenfations. To feel con- 
fcious of meriting thofe voluntary tributes of gratitude 
furely muft be the height of worldly Ambition. 

On the 30th of April, 1789, he was proclaimed, firft 
Prefident of the United States, an event, the memory of 
which we are this day affembled to perpetuate. In this 
high ftation he purfued his undeviating courfe. Ap- 
palling vice, difmaying treafon, and repelling foreign in- 
fluence. Even envy in defpair concealed her malignity, 
while the fhafts of flander fell harmlefs at his feet. His 
meafures developed an admirable fyftem of policy, cal- 
culated to eftablilh the national charadler, and improve 
the riling ftates, After eight years of important fervic*" 



12 

ia the Prefidential Chair, he declined a reeledion and 
retired to private life, amidil the benedictions of a 
grateful people. 

The addrefs with which he retired from office, is fa= 
miliar to every well informed American. Nothing but 
that neceffity which knows no law, can juftify a devia- 
tion from his fyftem of policy. To perpetuate the Un- 
ion, difcountenance party fpirit, fofter commerce and 
agriculture, and banilh foreign partialities, are the lead- 
ing points of his fyftem. He obferves " Exceflive par- 
tiality for one nation, and exceflive diflike of another, 
caufe thofe whom they actuate to fee danger only on 
one fide, and ferve to veil, and even to fecond the arts of 
influence on the other. Real patriots, who reflft the in- 
trigues of the favorite, are liable to become fufpe6led 
and odious, while its tools and dupes ufurp the applaufe 
and confidence of the people to iurrender their inter- 
efts. 

Further; " Of all the difpofltions and habits, which 
lead to political profperity, religion and morality, are 
indifpenfable fupports. In vain would that man claim 
the tribute of patriotifm, who fliould endeavour to fub- 
vert thefe great pillars of human happinefs, thefe firmefl; . 
props of the duty of men and citizens.'* 

Thefe obfervations, with the tenor of his life, author- 
ize us to pronounce with aflurance, that in the mind of 
Wafliington " a Chriftian was the higheft ftile of man," 
that he was a difciple of Him, who " fpake as never 
man fpake," that he could fee beyond that humanity, 
which veiled his divinity while here, beyond the crofs 
and the fepulchre, — behold him at the right hand of his 
Father, and with Thomas exclaim, " my Lord, and my 
God." 

His fame did not reft only on the interefted adulation 
of friends, juftice extorted praife from his enemies. A 
rival Generai* who had fought to tarnifli his fair fame, 
when he apprehended the approach of death, could not 
conceal his remorfe. In this hour of trial, when *' real 
and apparent are the fame," he wrote thus to Wafliing 
'■ Conwav. 



13 

ton. " My career will foon be ended, therefore juftice 
and truth prompt me to declare my laft fentiments, you 
are in my mind the great and good man. May you long 
enjoy the love and efteem of thofe ftates, whofe liberties 
you have afferted by your virtues." 

Here let us leave our Hero for a moment, while we 
take a curfory view of that conftitution, which com- 
menced its operations at this important era. 

Perhaps no form of government, ever fubmitted to the 
teft of experiment, approximated nearer to perfedion, 
than the Federal Conftitution. The Sons of America, 
the inhabitants of an infant empire, rifen fuddenly to in- 
dependence, rival in legiflation the celebrated Lawgiv- 
ers of Athens and Sparta, if the Laws of Solon and 
Lycurgus, were worthy of the admiration of ages ; each 
of the framers of our Conftitution, is entitled to a diftin- 
guifhed niche in the temple of fame. Notwithftanding 
Ibme defeat infeparable from every human performance, 
its abftraft principles, and form of Government, are 
founded on the broad balls ofreafon, and the natural 
rights of man. It difcards the abfurd principle of hered- 
itary right, by which an ideot or debauchee, may claim a 
fceptre. It contemns that Ariftocracy, which empowers 
a haughty nobility to make laws for others, which reach 
not to themfelves, and that ixnqualified Democracy, 
which, fays that eminent ftatefman, Ames, " Is a volcano, 
which conceals the fiery materials of its own deftru6tion. 

The Prelident, holding his oiEce during four years, 
has time to mature and execute the nobleft plans, while 
his abfolute dependence upon the people for his elevation 
is a check to ambitious projeds. By his relying upon 
them, at every ftep for the means of accomplifliing his 
undertakings, they have a fufficient negative upon thofe 
movements, which they deem detrimental to their in- 
terefts. 

In the Senate the fovereignty of the States is repre- 

fented on a footing of perfect equality. This was the 

refult of a noble fpirit of forbearance and conceflion : 

honorable and beautiful at its eftablilhment, but liable to 

C 



abnfe by an indennite multiplication of new ftates.* 
The age and term of office of irs members feem pecul- 
iarly calculated to render this honorable body a fountain 
ofwifdom and knowledge. By holding their appoint- 
ment for lis vears. and having but one third of their 
feats vacated at the fame time, they appear to be remov- 
ed to a diftance from thofe violent convulfions, incident 
to annual eiections, and a total change of members. It 
is v\ ith regret that we witnefs fome of our filler ftates 
making an attempt to fhorten the fenatorial term. May 
they be reftrained from aying unhallowed hands upon 
this fair pillar in the Fabrick of Government. 

The Houfe of Reprefentatives, chofen immediatelv by 
the people, leem peculiarly calculated to reprefent their 
views and fentiments Coming from all parts of ihe 
Union, they mud be acquainted with the wants and in- 
tereils of their conftituents. Chofen for a fhort period, 
they may be changed in obedience to ever)' impulfe of 
the'public will. Holding the power of originating all 
money bills, the people can by them put a flop to all 
plans hurtful to their interefts, which requires prcuniary 
aid. Being apportioned among the feveral St tes, in the 
ratio of one to every thirty five thoufand inhabitants, 
evers^ State would polTefs its relative weight, were none 
reprefented but freemen, thofe who have an intereft in 
our political inltitutions. 

It is with vaft reluclance, that I approach a rotten pil- 
lar in this beautiful Edifice. As it is the work of men, 
let me not be accufed of facrilege, when I notice a de- 
fecT: which all muft behold unlefs they will not fee. The 
third paragraph, of the fecond fection of the firft article 
of the Ccnftitution provides for the reprefentation of 
three fifths of the Haves in the United States, I rejoice 

* The Citizen has no interest in the annexation of Kingdoms. 
He must find his importance diminished as the State is enlarged : 
but ambitious men, under the enlargement of territory, find a more 
plentiful harvest of power and of wealth. Hence the ruinous pro- 
gress of Empire ; and hence free Nations, \inder the show of ac- 
quiring: domir.ion. suffer themselves in the end to be yoked with 
the slaves, they have conquered. 

Fcr^mon en CivU Society^ t'<^§€ 100, 



15 

that this is not a party queftion in New-England : pre- 
fuming that no citizen can be fo loft to republicanifmas to 
think, that any ftate ought to have weight in the national 
councils in proportion to the number of flaves it drags 
from the coaft of Africa. If you really want the advice, 
the council and the votes of this fable race, then let them 
aflemble and fend twenty flaves as reprefen'atives, to meet 
yours on the floor of Congrefsf and let your meafures be 
the aggregate wifdom of freemen and flaves. Thefe 
would much better reprefent the feelings and wiflies of 
Their conftituents than their tafl^-mafters can 

Who, ** at their eafe, 

I Sip the blood fweetened beverage." 

But no ; every man would fpurn at the abfurdity of 
fuch apropofition. Still would not this be more con^ 
iiftent with republicanifm than under the name of repre - 
fenting the flaves to permit fome fouthern ftates polTef- 
fing a reprefentation in Congrefs in the fame ratio as the 
freemen of New- England, to fend an extra reprefenta- 
tion, fufficient to balance the votes of Mafl'achufetts, or 
Connecticut, Newhampfliire, and Vermont, merely be- 
caufe they have the power of applying the lafli to more 
than a million of flaves. { This is giving a premium to 

t Those who could see that these Colonies were virtually rep> 
resented in the Parliament of England, may perhaps see that the 
slaves are represented in Congress : but to others it is totally in= 
comprehensible, how those, who can neither vote for Representa- 
tives or even dispose of their own persons, can be said to be rep- 
resented. It is a burlesque upon the first principles of free 
government to deny, that representatives should be chosen by 
their constituents and that their interests should be the same. It 
would be as reasonable for the freemen of Virginia to choose rep» 
resentatives for those of Maryland or Kentucky, as for the Virgin- 
ian slaves ; nay more, in as much as the interests of these states 
are similar, while those of master and slave, are diametrically op- 
posite. By the introduction of this principle, 25,000 free people, 
of Virginia, send a representative to Congress, and have as much 
political weight in the House as 35,000 Citizens of New-England. 

I We hold these truths to be self evident — that all men are cre- 
ated equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain 
unalienable rights, that among these are life, Liberty, and the 
pursuit of happiness. Dec. of Indefiendence. 

Were the holders of slaves sincere in signing this declaration i 



16 

the bafefl iniquity, to traffick in the liberties of our fel- 
3ow-men : and each ftate loofes its weight in the nation- 
al council, in proportion as it adheres to the principle, 
that " all men are born free and equal." 

Should any reply that reprefentation and taxation go 
hand in hand, this may be faid to be true in theory, and 
falfe in practice. It was the only argument which could 
hav^e procured the adoption of the article by this feclion 
of the Union ; but it has almoft wholly failed to make 
even a paltry pecuniary compenfation, for lofs of poUti- 
cal weight :* as our revenue has been derived almoft 
■wholly from duties on imports, and thefe have fallen on 
the commercial ftates without regard to reprefentation. 
The ftate of Maflachufetts recently propcfed an alteration 
in the Conftitution in this particular, but reafon ufu- 
ally pleads in vain, when intereft or " ambition bids go 
on." Cheerfully fubmitting to this evil while it remains 
a provilion of the Conftitution may we not hope that 
reafon will ere long afford us a Conftitutional remedy ? 

To the Judiciary Syftem we may juftly turn, with 
feelings of patriotic exultation. We muft confider the 
fituations of thofe nations the lives andproperty of whofe 
citizens are expofed to the caprice of defpotifm, if we 
would know the value of our fyftems of Jurifprudence. 

The Independence of Judges, the trial by jury, and 
the general promulgation of laws afford every fecurity to 
life, liberty, and property, which the imperfection of hu- 
man nature admits. The privilege of the writ of habeas 

It is believed northern geniuses are incapable of comprehending; 
the logic which would prove their practices consistent with their 
principles. 

* One other argument perhaps had some weight in procuring its 

adoption. Viz. the equality of the states in the senate : which it 
was contended favored the northern section, containing the small 
states of Rhode-Island and Delaware. But by the admission of 
small states at the south no such balance now exists. The states 
to the north of the seat of Government, contains 3,566,540 free in- 
habitants, and send 20 Senators. Those to the so\sth and west, con- 
tains 2,48', 999 free inhabitants, and send 16 Senators. 

By which it appears that 173,327 inhabitants in the northern 
states send a Senator, and that 155,124 at the southward possess 
*.he same privilege and the same political power. 



17 

corpus, and the prohibition of ex poji fa5lo laws are the 
bulwark of American liberty. 

That ample power which is fo valuable in the hands of 
good rulers, and which the Conftirution fo fully confers 
upon every department of the federal Government, may 
become pernicious in unfaithful hands. The hiftory of 
modern times afford lucid comment upon the inefficacy 
of written laws, to check the ftrides of men in power. 
Minorities can behold many Conftitutional checks and 
balances, but no fooner do thefe fwell to Majorities, than 
they behold in every fection, power ample as the expanfe 
ot the univerfe. If any Conftitution could fecure to a 
people uninterrupted liberty, profperity, and happinefs,it 
muft be ours. Yet we have proof " ftrong as holy writ,'* 
that unlefs we place men in office, who prefer the prof- 
perity of their country to the triumph of a party, whole 
education, fentiments and prejudices are truly American, 
and who expeft to give account of their conduct before 
an omnifcient Judge, we are deftined fhortly to be num- 
bered in the catalogue of fallen Republics.! Such men 
have been in power, and were bleffings to our land. Up- 
on the characters of thofe who now fill places of honor, 
trufl, and profit, I forbear to fpeak. Time has not pro- 
nounced her irreverfible verdid. " God and poUerity 
will do them juflice." 

Brethren of the Society, 
The political and focial duties, incumbent on every . 
citizen of a free community, are highly inrerefting and 
important. It is a duty incumbent on all to fupport 
thofe inflitutions, which cofl the blood of their fathers ; 
but on us this duty is doubly binding. We are folemn- 
ly pledged to fupport our republican governments in cp- 

t Should any refer to ancient republics to invalidate the senti- 
ment, it may be observed| that no one acquainted with the history 
of Greece or Rome, \vill*ssert that they were destitute of a relig- 
ious faith, calculated to excite to great actions, and guard the sanc- 
tity of oaths. It is believed that the present age has ^exhibited 
the only instance, of an atheistical republic: and of the s a few 
short months were sufficient to witness its rise, its meridian, and 
its fall. 



IS 

pofition to every other form, which has been projededj 
by a proud Ariftocracy on the one hand, or a reftlefs 
Populace on the other. The iffue of our experiment, is 
to folve the problem, whether a Republican Government 
can be perpetuated, or " whether a nation can be gov- 
erned and yet be free. If we fail, farewell to Republi- 
canifm, farewell to rational liberty. Let us learn wif- 
dom from the mortal wounds of our fifter Republics ; 
and to diftrufl fuch charaders as have rifen to power 
upon the ruins of their expiring liberties. 

A fociety, extending through many ftates, and embra- 
cing in its fraternity thoufands of citizens in every rank 
of life, cannot fail to be an object of curiolity. It has 
excited not only attention, but oppolition. In fuch cir- 
cumftances it becomes us to be doubly circumfpecl in 
conducting in fuch a manner as to difarm oppolition of 
its power to wound : and though we may not gain the 
approbation of all, yet " We'll do more my brethren, 
we'll deferve it.** But why are our motives, our prin- 
ciples, and our proceeding defamed ? Is it a crime to 
feek information in Morals, Religion, or Politics ? Is it 
a crime to encourage virtue, and relieve the diftrelTed ? 
— Or does fome dark confpiracy lurk beneath a mafk ? 
If fo, let our Courts of Juftice inveftigate the horrid fe- 
cret. Is there no members whofe charaders are a pledge 
to the public, that they would reveal every plan hurtful 
to Religion or Government ? To become acquainted 
with our Inftitution muftfecure the approbation, of eve- 
ry virtuous mind. To defame it when unacquainted 
with it, 

" Is flander, whofe edge is fharper than a fword, 
Whofe tongue out- venoms all the worms of Nile." 

It is your glory to have been the undeviating advocates 
of that fyftem of policy, purfued by Wafhington, and by 
his SuccefTor, which he pronounced " wife and prudent 
and deferving of univerfal confidence.**^ 

Too well do you recoiled the events of the lad twenty 
years, not to realize the proud eminence upon which you 
are placed, to witnefs the commotion in the camp of 
your opponents. Firm on Wafliington's ground, ilander 



19 

cannot undermine your fortrefs, and the utmoft eleva- 
tion of its arrows can only " wound your heel." 

To this refpeclable Audience, may I not appeal, confi- 
dent that your fentiments coincide with ours, upon the 
excellency of our Conftitution, and the diftinguifhed 
worth, of that Man whofe Inauguration we celebrate. 

Embarked in the fame caufe, we are all equally inter- 
efted in the falvation of our country. If any of you have 
entertained unfavorable opinions concerning the views 
and purfuits of our fociety — we afk only for the com- 
mon privilege of freemen not to be judged unheard. 
Have any a wifh to know our political principles ? They 
are contained in the Conftitution and Wa£hington*s fare- 
well addrefs. We afk no alteration in thefe but the e- 
mancipation of flaves to make them our pride and boaft; 

As with every other fociety individual members may 
have done wrong, but it is believed, that by the Societies 
nothing has been done inconfiftent with the duty of 
men and citizens. You find here no Miniatures of the 
Clubs of Paris, nor abandoned difciples of the fchool of 
Weifhaupt. Truth and benevolence have been the ob- 
jects of our purfuits, and regularity and order the char- 
acteriftics of our alTemblies. In common with our fel- 
low citizens we claim the right of examining the charac- 
ters of public men, and the tendency of public meafiires. 
If we believe Rulers, or candidates for office to be weak, 
vifionary, corrupt or partial, we claim the right of with- 
holding our votes, and endeavoring to convince others^ 
that their fyftems of policy are fraught with ruin. 

For liberty to do this, we return no thanks to men 
in power. 'Tis the birthright of Americans — the inherit 
tance of freemen. "We claim a right to fpeak, or publifhj 
the truth in decent language.! Thofe, who reproach us for 
this conducl and thefe principles, muft remember, that 

t Should any suppose this to be a liberty not allowed by the se- 
dition law of 1798, they will please to examine the law, where they 
will find by Sect. 2d. that any writing to be punishable must be 
false, scandalous, and malicious : and by Sect. 3d that any person 
prosecuted under it might justify himself; by proving the truth of 
the matter contained in the writing. 




2D 

they are deftitute of every fpark of republlcanifm. They 
had better refort to a climate more congenial to their 
feelings ; where the lafti is already fixed in the hands of 
defpotifm. They are fitter for executioners, for a Turk- 
ifti Bafhaw, or the turnkeys of a Baftile than for Citi- 
zens of a free Republic. 

But let all political animofities be hufhed to filence. 
They muft not intrude on moments, facred to the mem- 
ory of W aftiington. 

In our brief review, we left him retired to his much 
loved ManfioVi. O that wf ronld return, and find him 
there. But no ! His eyes are clofed in death. He moul- 
ders beneath the clods of the valley. In the " dull cold" 
iilence of the grave he waits the renovating fummons of 
thelaft trumpet. While we truft his nobler pari, is re- 
picing, in the full fruition of Heavenly bleffednefs. 
Afcending from mount Vernon, may we not truft when 
we recoiled its prefent poflefforjt that he left his falling 
Mantle there. When he left his earthly abode, what 
patriot was not ready to exclaim " My Father, My Fath- 
er, the Chariot of Ifrael, and the horfemen thereof." If 
Heavenly fpirits are permitted to intereft themfelves in 
human affairs, then Columbia ! he is ftill thy guardian 
genius. His Heavenly form 

" Shall bend approved, where beck'ning hosts invite, 
On clouds of silver, his adoring knee, 
Approach with Seraphim, the throne of light, 
And intercede, with Angel tongue for thee." 

t George Washington Park Custis, Esq. 



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